diff --git a/spinach/utils.py b/spinach/utils.py
index 625cbd2..2056469 100644
--- a/spinach/utils.py
+++ b/spinach/utils.py
@@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ def exponential_backoff(attempt: int, cap: int=1200) -> timedelta:
     :arg cap: maximum delay, defaults to 20 minutes
     """
     base = 3
-    temp = min(base * 2 ** attempt, cap)
-    return timedelta(seconds=temp / 2 + random.randint(0, temp / 2))
+    temp = min(base * 2 ** attempt, cap) // 2
+    return timedelta(seconds=temp + random.randint(0, temp))
 
 
 @contextlib.contextmanager
diff --git a/tests/test_utils.py b/tests/test_utils.py
index 0c0920b..f403305 100644
--- a/tests/test_utils.py
+++ b/tests/test_utils.py
@@ -65,9 +65,6 @@ def func():
 
 
 def test_exponential_backoff():
-    with pytest.raises(ValueError):
-        utils.exponential_backoff(0)
-
     assert (
         timedelta(seconds=3) <= utils.exponential_backoff(1)
         <= timedelta(seconds=6)